Ending is that part of a story which heralds the reaction “So, it’s over”. Now, the emotions that this phrase carries could differ with the quality of the dessert served after the meal. The climax to any plot is one of the most crucial components that has the capability to enrich the viewer’s or reader’s satisfaction. 2019 April has been an overwhelming month for any nerdy fan like me as it was the platform for the close of two amazingly built worlds- the “Marvel Cinematic Universe (Phase 3)” and “Game of Thrones”. While the end of one was gratifying, the other had an utterly frustrating one. “Why though?”, you may ask. Both the series started off successfully capturing the hearts of millions around the world but ended up taking different ways when it was time for the final act.
Based on the Marvel Comics created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Avengers: Endgame is the movie marking the END of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 3. Praised by critics, Avengers: Endgame is the best of what MCU can offer as the fight against the big baddie Thanos. Even with the tear shedding climax, the movie stands out as a role model for character developments and importance of plot even in superhero movies. On the path of defeating the 10-year reign of James Cameron’s Avatar, Avengers: Endgame is to be hailed as the highest grossing movie of all time. All this fame and prestige that the movie has brought to itself shows the necessity of a good ending for a story. The movie has remained true all the character developments making all these god-like characters captivating and human-like. Avengers: Endgame was designed in a meticulous manner such that it remains consistent with its theme and provides justice to the journey we, as audience have been through.
On the other hand, we have Game of Thrones, historical fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire. The show was a hit due to its visuals and a heavily dramatic plot even when it was criticized for its use of disturbing imagery and themes. Characters of the drama were grey and diverse by nature and the world created by the series felt realistic even with elements of magic and myth. But when it was time to say goodbye, Game of Thrones took a turn no one believed. Game of Thrones season 8 was a disappointment for many of its fans, some even seeking therapy to the shocking and disheartening climax. What is it that went wrong on the way to the destination for Game of Thrones? All the character arcs that developed over 7 seasons and 8 years vaporized into thin air. All the show had to present was inconsistent characters and storylines, unorganized sequence of events, dull and dragged scenes of war and a set of unexpected people popping out as saviours of the day in an attempt to surprise the audience. The series didn’t even brush through strong characters and their traits in order to come up with an anticipating climax that would bust all the theories on the internet but failed miserably in doing so. At the end, all fans out there are begging for a remake of the final season with competent writers not considering the $90 million, 435 minutes of television and countless other hours dedicated to make the season 8 possible.
Both these epic series emerge as examples of stories with different endings. Although, a surprise in the ending would be highly appreciated but that shouldn’t come at the cost of the consistency of the plot and its characters. A story is cherished for the journey it takes the viewers on and never can be successful at its purpose with a passenger feeling uneasy at the end of the journey.
The Said, The Known and The Natural with MVM 